Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: The present study aimed to compare social problem solving ability and risk-taking in patients with AIDS and healthy individuals.
Methods: In the research study, 50 patients aged 20 to 45 years with AIDS referred to Valfajr Health Center Tehran in 2013 were assessed. Also, 50 healthy individuals were considered as the control. To evaluate the ability to solve a social problem, specific questionnaire for social problem solving and for assessing the risk-taking, the risk-taking questionnaire were used.
Results: The results showed that there was significant difference in social problem solving ability and risk-taking behaviors between two study groups (with AIDS and healthy individuals). There was significant difference in all subscales of social problem solving ability (positive problem orientation, negative problem orientation, rational problem solving, avoidant style, impulsivity/carelessness style). There was significant difference in the rate of risk taking in the two groups.
Conclusion: The AIDS patients benefit more from negative problem orientation, impulsivity/carelessness style and avoidance style compared to healthy individuals. Also, the rate of risk-taking is higher in AIDS patients. Moreover, risk-taking in different styles of social problem solving is different in these patients compared to normal subjects.